Brightwell MicroBacter Clean — bacterial culture to lift detritus and biofilm

The Brightwell MicroBacter Clean is a bioculture aimed at organic build-up: live rock caked in residues, decor coated in film, sand still holding traces after a rough cycle. Formulated by Brightwell Aquatics in the United States, the solution pairs non-pathogenic microbes with natural enzymes so the deposits loosen while the bacteria feed on organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and organic carbon.

MicroBacter Clean naturally forms clumps, an earthy smell, and a cloudy look inside the bottle — Brightwell notes those signs are normal and confirm the culture is alive. Shake vigorously before every dose. On a long-neglected system, the brand states results can take up to 8 to 10 weeks to be visible.

What MicroBacter Clean is for and when to use it

Exiting the "ugly stage" — after cycling a new tank, when rock turns brown-coated before balance sets in.
Cleaning up an old tank — restoring a neglected system where detritus and biofilm cap bacterial uptake.
Reinforcement against detritus — backup to a MicroBacter7 routine when the organic load exceeds what the standard bioculture handles.
After a major water change — accelerates biological rebalancing after a heavy intervention (rock rearrangement, media swap, deep vacuum).

Brightwell official dosing

Normal maintenance: 20 mL (4 capfuls) per 25 US gal (94.6 L) weekly.
Problem tank or accelerated cleanup: 30 mL (6 capfuls) per 25 US gal on day one, then 5 mL (1 capful) per 25 US gal daily for 2 weeks or longer as needed.
Shake well before use. Mix the dose with 250 mL of tank water before pouring.
Turn protein skimming and UV sterilization off for 4 hours after dosing.

Specifications

Brand: Brightwell Aquatics (made in the USA)
Available sizes: 125 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 2 L, 20 L, 210 L
Composition: purified water, proprietary blend of natural enzymes and non-pathogenic microorganisms
Targets: detritus, biofilm, organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, organic carbon
Compatibility: all marine ecosystems
Storage: refrigeration not required; cool, shaded storage or 10 °C (50 °F) maximizes shelf life. Avoid heat.

Why choose Brightwell at ReefSolution

Brightwell MicroBacter7 — the complete bioculture to pair for standard nitrification and NP maintenance.
Brightwell MicroBacter Purple-M — the purple PNSB strain to add for SPS coloration and carbon export.
Brightwell Xport-BIO Brick — the high-porosity media that hosts the bacterial colony Clean supports.

Frequently asked questions

How long before MicroBacter Clean shows results?

Brightwell states that on a long-neglected system, visible results can take up to 8 to 10 weeks. On a healthy tank running a weekly routine, clarity and lift of accumulations happen sooner — but the time scale is weeks, not hours.

Do I need to shake the bottle before every dose?

Yes. Brightwell notes that clumping, an earthy smell, and cloudy appearance in the bottle are normal — signs that the culture is alive. Shake vigorously each time to redisperse before measuring the dose.

Can MicroBacter Clean be dosed alongside MicroBacter7?

Brightwell does not forbid the combination, but each product covers a different role: MB7 for standard nitrification and NP export, Clean for lifting detritus and biofilm. On a combined routine, respect the 4-hour skimmer/UV pause after each product and do not stack their doses into a single event.

Does MicroBacter Clean need refrigeration?

Refrigeration is not required per Brightwell — cool, shaded storage is enough. The brand notes that 10 °C (50 °F) storage maximizes shelf life. Absolutely avoid heat (parked car, sun-hit shelf).